Advanced Condenser Systems: Abbe Condensers

RU-486 (Mifepristone) Crystallites

The images below compare performance of the Intel Play QX3 Computer Microscope with and without the aid of an organized cone of illumination from a simple two-lens Abbe substage condenser containing an aperture diaphragm. These photomicrographs are unretouched and were captured with the QX3 interactive software.

RU-486 is the code name for a new abortion drug that is now widely known as Mifepristone. This drug was developed in France and has been shown to be highly effective in inducing spontaneous abortion when administered in early pregnancy. Mifepristone has also been demonstrated to be highly effective as a post-coital contraceptive (morning after pill) when administered within 72 hours after unprotected intercourse. Additional studies have shown the drug has the potential for preventing implantation and inducing menstruation when administered in the last half of the menstrual cycle.

Birefringent RU-486 Crystallites

QX3 with mixing chamber (stock - 200x magnification)

QX3 with achromatic condenser (200x magnification)

The images above were recorded using the Intel Play QX3 microscope in transmitted brightfield mode equipped with crossed polarizers and a full-wave retardation plate. On the top is a digital image from a stock QX3 microscope using auxiliary illumination provided by a fiber optic light pipe through a hole drilled into the mixing chamber. The image on the bottom was recorded using the QX3 microscope body and a simple two-lens Abbe low numerical aperture substage condenser.